Mayor upbeat on growth of island’s tourism sector

Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona yesterday disclosed the island is beginning to witness the fruits of its hardwork in terms of tourism promotion, citing two major events graced by famous Japanese personalities.

“Our efforts to promote Rota as a tourist destination are paying off. First there was the Goro and Yuri wedding and now we look forward to SMAP x SMAP marathon on March 16,” Mr. Manglona said.

Well publicized celebrity events like these allow Rota to get an enormous amount of free advertising in the Japanese market, according to the mayor. “For the minimum amount we invest in local resources, we’re getting maximum exposure for the Commonwealth and Rota.”

Goro Noguchi, an established star and well-known entertainment personality from Japan, married Yuri Mitsue, also a media professional. The wedding took place last Feb. 15 in Rota, and was a highly publicized event in Japanese television.

“We’ve started a new tradition and perhaps a new industry for Rota,” said Mr. Manglona. “From now on let Rota be known as the ‘Wedding Island Paradise of the Marianas’…the place most suitable for an unforgettable and memorable wedding.”

In another celebrity appearance on Rota, Japan’s FUJI television will bring more than 80 persons to film a segment of the top-rated television program SMAP x SMAP.

“In this case, success followed success,” said Mr. Manglona. “We’re sure that SMAP came to us because of our ability to attract the Goro and Yuri wedding.”

Rota has had good success with the island’s self-promotion campaign, said the mayor, adding that not even one trip was made to Japan “and not long after Gore and Yuri decided to get married here.”

“It would cost us millions of dollars to pay for the positive publicity we’re getting on Japanese television right now. What little we have to pay to host these celebrities is returned 100 fold in the free publicity,” Mr. Manglona said.

The marathon that FUJI television will film in Rota supports the island’s eco-tourism program. The local government and the local community have long supported mountain biking, marathon, and triathlon activities around the island.

“Now our sports image gets a fantastic boost with the SMAP celebrities running a beautiful course in Rota. We can see the tourist numbers beginning to respond to these efforts. Arrivals are showing signs of real recovery,” said Mr. Manglona.

“Our campaign is working. It’s working for the people of Rota and the CNMI. We thank all those who have worked so hard in our local community to assist with celebrity hosting and make our partnership for progress work. Thank you,” said the mayor.